33 Bible Verses about Religion
Most Relevant Verses
And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him.
And Paul, having taken his stand in the midst of Mars Hill, said, "Men of Athens, in all respects I observe that ye are more than usually regardful of the deities; for, passing through, and considering your objects of worship, I found also an altar on which had been inscribed, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What, therefore, in ignorance ye worship, this I declare to you.
For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands thoroughly, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders; and, coming from the marketplace, unless they immerse themselves, they do not eat; and there are many other things which they received to hold; as, immersion of cups, and pots, and brazen vessels.
And every priest, indeed, stands daily ministering, and ofttimes offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;
And he, looking intently on him, and becoming much afraid, said, "What is it, lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and alms went up for a memorial before God.
And, behold, one, having come near, said to Him, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" And He said to him, "Why do you question Me concerning the good? One is the Good. But, if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." He says to Him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness;read more.
honor your father and your mother; and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man says to Him, "I observed all these things; what yet do I lack?"
And, as He was going forth into the way, one, running to Him, and kneeling, was asking Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to Him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but One??od. You know the commandments, 'Do not kill,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.'"read more.
And he said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I observed from my youth."
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but One??od. You know the commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not kill,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"read more.
And he said, "All these I observed from my youth."
"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin; and have omitted the weightier things of the law??he judgment, and the mercy, and the faith; but these it was proper to have done, and those not to have omitted.
"But woe to you Pharisees! because ye tithe the mint, and the rue, and every herb; but ye pass by judgment and the love of God. Now these things it was needful to do, and not to leave those undone.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the law blameless.
They led Jesus, therefore, from Caiaphas into the Praetorium; and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
If anyone thinks that he is religious, while he bridles not his own tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
A religion, pure and undefiled with our God and Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
And He said, "Are ye also even yet without understanding? Do ye not perceive that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and is cast forth into the drain? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and these defile the man.read more.
For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false-witnessings, blasphemies: these are the things which defile the man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man."
And He saith to them, "Are ye too thus without understanding? Do ye not perceive that nothing, entering into a man from without, can defile him; because it goes not into his heart, but into the belly, and passes out into the drain?" This He said, making all foods clean. And He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man.read more.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetings, wickednesses, deceit, wantonness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man."
and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all the whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices."
But the Lord said to him, "Now ye, the Pharisees, cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. Senseless ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But give as alms the things within; and, behold, all things are clean to you.
For I testify for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; for, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God; for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes.
for the Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
But, if any widow has children or grand-children, let them learn first to show regard to their own family, and to make returns to their parents; for this is acceptable before God.
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me."
And Jesus, looking on him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing is wanting to you: go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me."
And Jesus, hearing it said to him, "Yet one thing is lacking to you; sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me."
for we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared, that we should walk in them.
What profit is it, my brethren, if anyone says he has faith, but has not works; can such faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked, and in want of daily food, and one of you say to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," but ye give them not the things needful for the body, what does it profit?read more.
Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
From Thematic Bible
Religion » TRUE
And Peter, opening his mouth, said, "Of a truth, I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons; but, in every nation, he who fears Him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to Him.
A religion, pure and undefiled with our God and Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
But do ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
and, even for this very reason, adding all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in virtue, knowledge; and in knowledge, continence; and in continence, patience; and in patience, godliness; and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. read more.
For these things, belonging to you and abounding, make you neither idle nor unfruitful regarding the full knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; for he to whom these things are lacking is blind, seeing dimly, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. read more.
A second like it is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hangs the whole law, and the prophets."
Religion » Formalism » The insufficiency of
being only (with meats and drinks and various immersions) ordinances of the flesh, imposed until a time of reformation.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Religion » Characteristics of » False profession
They profess to know God; but by their works they deny Him; being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work worthless.
"Not every one who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that does the will of My Father in Heaven.
Religion » Formalism » Warnings against
holding a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from these also turn away.
"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin; and have omitted the weightier things of the law??he judgment, and the mercy, and the faith; but these it was proper to have done, and those not to have omitted.
If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to decrees,
Religion » Hypocrisy, an ever present element in false religion » Examples of
And the Lord answered him, and said, "Hypocrites! does not each one of you, on the sabbath, loose his ox or his ass from the stall; and, leading it away, water it?
And he said this, not because he cared about the poor; but because he was a thief; and, having the money-box, he was wont to carry what was put therein.
For those who are such are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and, through their kind words and flattering speeches, they beguile the hearts of the simple.
Hypocrites! Ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and of the heavens but how is it ye know not how to interpret this time?
Religion » Characteristics of » Legalism
and he says, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been trained according to the exactness of the ancestral law, being zealous for God, even as ye all are to-day;
this one Paul wished to go forth with him; and, taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
And they, hearing it, were glorifying God, and said to him, "You observe, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews, of those who have believed; and they are all zealous for the law.
But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are ye doing that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath?"
and was making progress in Judaism above many companions of the same age in my own nation, being more exceedingly a zealot for my ancestral instructions.
Religion » Examples of piety » Sincerity a mark of
so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be pure and without offense to the day of Christ;
therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
For we are not as the many, making merchandise of the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
Religion » True religion » Scriptural definition of
and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all the whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices."
A religion, pure and undefiled with our God and Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Religion » Hypocrisy, an ever present element in false religion » General references to
In the meantime, the vast multitude having been gathered together, so as to tread one upon another, He began to say to His disciples, first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
They profess to know God; but by their works they deny Him; being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work worthless.
So ye also outwardly, indeed, appear righteous to men; but within ye are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Religion » Characteristics of » Ceremonialism
but, after having known God, or rather having been known by God, how are ye turning back again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which ye desire to be in bondage again?
and, coming from the marketplace, unless they immerse themselves, they do not eat; and there are many other things which they received to hold; as, immersion of cups, and pots, and brazen vessels.
Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear?
For freedom did Christ make us free; stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to decrees,
Religion » Natural
and yet He left not Himself without witness, doing good, giving you rains from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness."
for, passing through, and considering your objects of worship, I found also an altar on which had been inscribed, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What, therefore, in ignorance ye worship, this I declare to you. The God Who made the world and all things therein, The Same being Lord of Heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, nor is ministered to by human hands, as if needing anything; Himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things; read more.
and He made of one every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having marked out their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God, if, perhaps, they might feel after Him, and find Him, although, in truth, He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live, and move, and are; as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His offspring.'
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Preaching and not practising
But, when I saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in presence of them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as do the gentiles, and not as the Jews, how do you compel the gentiles to live as do the Jews?"
you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that men should not steal, do you steal?
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Abraham
Religion » National » Subverted by jeroboam
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Uncharitableness
"And why do you behold the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam in your own eye?
All, therefore, whatsoever they bid you, do and observe; but do not according to their works; for they say and do not.
Religion » National » Priests supported by the state
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » The double tongue
He who says, "I have known Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;
Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing! My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » jacob
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » hezekiah
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » moses
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Jehoshaphat
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Abel
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking.
Religion » Examples of piety » hezekiah
Religion » Parental prayers » David, for solomon
Religion » National » Supported by taxes
Religion » Examples of piety » Jabez
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Solomon
Religion » Parental prayers » David, for the life of his child
Religion » Home religion general references to » Home, the best place to show piety
But, if any widow has children or grand-children, let them learn first to show regard to their own family, and to make returns to their parents; for this is acceptable before God.
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Selfishness
If a brother or a sister be naked, and in want of daily food, and one of you say to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," but ye give them not the things needful for the body, what does it profit?
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Zacharias
But the angel said to him, "Fear not, Zacharias; because your supplication was heard; and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He visited, and wrought redemption for His people; and raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant; read more.
(as He spake through the mouth of His holy prophets from of old), salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy towards our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He swore to Abraham, our father; to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. "And you also, child, shall be called 'Prophet of the Most High;' for you shall go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation to His people in remission of their sins, because of the tender compassions of the mercy of our God, wherein the day-spring from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Noah
Religion » Sanctimony, distinguishing marks of » Assumed innocence
Religion » Sanctimony, distinguishing marks of » Hypocrisy
Religion » Examples of piety » Timothy
having a remembrance of the unfeigned faith which is in you; which, indeed, dwelt first in your grand-mother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and, I have become persuaded, in you also.
Religion » Parental prayers » The father, for the demoniac
"Lord, have mercy on my son, because he is lunatic, and suffers grievously; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
Religion » Parental prayers » Abraham, for ishmael
Religion » Devout mothers » Hannah
Religion » Devout mothers » Eunice
having a remembrance of the unfeigned faith which is in you; which, indeed, dwelt first in your grand-mother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and, I have become persuaded, in you also.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Jehu
Religion » Home religion general references to » Joshua establishes religion in his home
Religion » Examples of piety » Enoch
Religion » Devout mothers » Sarah
Religion » National » Established by jeroboam
Religion » Examples of piety » Noah
Religion » Sanctimony, distinguishing marks of » An outward show of righteousness
Religion » Sanctimony, distinguishing marks of » Pharisaic separation
Religion » Sanctimony, distinguishing marks of » Religious display
"And, when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: verily I say to you, they have their reward.
Religion » Examples of piety » Daniel
Religion » FALSE
Religion » Home religion general references to » The philippian jailer and his family are baptized
And, having taken them with him, at that hour of the night he washed their stripes; and was immersed, himself and all his, immediately;
Religion » Home religion general references to » Mary sits at jesus' feet in her home
And she had a sister called Mary, who, also seated at the Lord's feet, was hearing His word.
Religion » Home religion general references to » Lydia and her household converted
And, when she was immersed, and her household, she besought us, saying, "If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having entered into my house, abide there." And she constrained us.
Religion » True religion » Examples of piety » Barnabas
because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith; and a great multitude was added to the Lord.
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » False profession
They profess to know God; but by their works they deny Him; being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work worthless.
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Harsh judgment
Wherefore, you are without excuse, O man, every one who judges; for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Anna, the prophetess
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Josiah
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Simeon
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Jabez
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Asa
Religion » Examples of piety » Ananias
And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews,
Religion » Home religion general references to » The entire family of the nobleman accept Christ
The father, therefore, knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives;" and he himself believed, and his whole house.
Religion » Home religion general references to » Andrew leads his brother to Christ
He first finds his own brother Simon, and says to him, "We have found the Messiah," (which, being translated, is Christ).
Religion » True religion » Examples of piety » Cornelius
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Religious talk
Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Legalism
If a man receives circumcision on a sabbath, that the law of Moses be not broken, are ye angry with Me, because I made a whole man well on the sabbath?
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » The roman centurion
After He finished all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, being ill, was about to die. And, having heard about Jesus, he sent to Him elders of the Jews, asking Him, that, having come, He would thoroughly save his servant. read more.
And they, coming to Jesus, were earnestly beseeching Him, saying, "He is worthy for whom Thou shalt do this; for he loves our nation, and he built the synagogue for us." And Jesus was going with them. And now, when He was not far distant from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, "Lord, trouble not Thyself; for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof. Wherefore, neither thought I myself worthy to come to Thee; but speak with a word, and let my boy be healed; for I also am a man set under authority, having soldiers under myself; and I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." And, hearing these things, Jesus marvelled at him; and, turning, He said to the multitude following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel did I find such faith!" And those who were sent, having returned to the house, found the servant well.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Daniel
Religion » Home religion general references to » Healing of » Witness for Christ
"Return to your house, and relate how great things God did for you." And he departed, publishing through all the city how great things Jesus did for him.
Religion » Examples of piety » Nathanael
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He saith to him, "Behold, an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile!"
Religion » Examples of piety » Christ
And He Who sent Me is with Me. He hath not left Me alone; because I am always doing the things that please Him."
Religion » Examples of piety » Simeon
Religion » Examples of piety » Anna
Religion » Parental prayers » The syrophenician mother
And the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. And she kept asking Him to cast forth the demon out of her daughter.
Religion » Devout mothers » Elizabeth
And it came to pass that, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit:
Religion » Devout mothers » Mary
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord;
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Jethro
Religion » Home religion general references to » Job sanctifies his children
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Eunice and lois
having a remembrance of the unfeigned faith which is in you; which, indeed, dwelt first in your grand-mother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and, I have become persuaded, in you also.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » gideon
Religion » Examples of piety » Job
Religion » Parental prayers » Job, for his children
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Cornelius, another centurion
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » samuel
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Joshua
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » The three hebrews (shadrach, meshach, and abed-nego)
Topics on Religion
False Religion
Acts 17:29"Being, therefore, God's offspring, we ought not to suppose that the God-head is like gold, or silver, or stone, graven by man's art and device!
False Religion To This Day
Matthew 28:15And they, taking the silver, did as they were instructed. And this account was spread abroad among the Jews, until this day.
Nominal Religion
Matthew 23:27-28"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye are like white-washed sepulchres, which outwardly, indeed, appear beautiful, but within are full of bones of the dead and of all uncleanness.
True Religion
James 1:27A religion, pure and undefiled with our God and Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Useless Religion
James 1:26If anyone thinks that he is religious, while he bridles not his own tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.